What is heat rash?

Heat rash, also known as "prickly heat" or "summer rash," is an eruption of little bumps (and sometimes tiny blisters) on the skin that can show up when your toddler overheats. The bumps may appear red, especially on light skin. It's most common in babies, although children of all ages can get it.

If your toddler has heat rash, you'll most likely see it in the folds of his skin and on parts of his body where his clothing fits snugly, including his chest, stomach, neck, crotch, and buttocks. If he wears hats, the rash may spread across his scalp or forehead.

What causes heat rash?

Your child sweats to cool down. If he sweats so much that his pores clog and sweat can't get out, heat rash develops. (Young children are particularly prone to heat rash because they have smaller pores than adults do.)

Hot, humid weather is prime time for heat rash, but you might see it in winter, too, if your toddler is wearing too many layers of clothing or is running a fever that makes him sweat heavily. Sometimes a child will get heat rash after a cough ointment is rubbed on his chest.

Is heat rash serious?

No, but it's a sign that your toddler is too warm. If you don't take steps to cool him off, he could develop a serious condition such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Is heat rash painful for my toddler?

No, it isn't usually painful, but it can be annoyingly itchy. Some of the bumps may be tender to the touch.

How should I treat heat rash?

Start by cooling your toddler off. Loosen or remove his clothing, and move him into an airy room or a shady spot.

You might place him on a cotton towel, which can help absorb his sweat. Apply cool, wet washcloths to the areas affected by the rash. A lukewarm bath with a little baking soda — 2 teaspoons per gallon — can also help.

Let him air dry rather than rubbing him with a towel. And don't use ointments or creams on the rash. These can make the rash worse by trapping moisture.

If it's hot at night, use an air conditioner or a fan in your toddler's room. Direct the fan near your child but not directly on him. Or place it far enough away so that only a gentle breeze reaches him. You want your toddler to be comfortable, not chilled.

Make sure your toddler's nails are short, so he doesn't scratch himself if the rash starts itching. You might want to put little socks on his hands at night so he won't scratch himself while he sleeps.

How can I prevent heat rash?

Keep your toddler comfortably cool by dressing him in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, especially in warm, humid weather. Natural fabrics such as cotton are absorbent and will allow him to sweat more efficiently than synthetics. Avoid plastic pants and plastic diaper liners.

A light dusting of cornstarch may help prevent heat rash in your toddler's creases, but avoid using talcum powder, which is dangerous for your toddler to breathe.

When holding your toddler, try not to wear abrasive fabrics, like wool, that might irritate his skin.

On a scorching day, keep your toddler inside or look for cool, shady, or breezy places to sit and play outside. Make sure your toddler drinks lots of liquids so he doesn't get dehydrated.

Check your child regularly to see if he's overheating. If you aren't sure, touch his skin. If it's damp and hot, he's too warm.

Should I take my child to the doctor for heat rash?

Talk to your toddler's doctor if you're not sure that you're dealing with heat rash. Also call if the rash doesn't go away after a few days, it appears to be getting worse, or your child has a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

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